Fatigue...the Truth And Only The Truth, Please!

[IsaacsGram 58]

As a pre-op, and even pre-consultation "sleever" I have been researching everything I can to educate myself and have a real understanding of what to expect post-op.

I have read a few postings that mention fatigue, and it is one of the side effects that I most fear. I am 48 years old and work fulltime as a nurse. I also have two young grandsons, and I DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR FATIGUE!!

Any advise or experiences to share?

Thanks!

Brigitte

[FatGirlSlim 115]

I am only 10 days post op and I find tht I am fatigued....but as each day goes by, I am regaining my strength...naps aren't necessary....

I was told that in the beginning it is an issue but life returns to normal with time...so far it is ringing true with me

[cookies 56]

Well, I'm recovering from major surgery, so yes I have fatigue.

And I would imagine that I will have some fatigue here and there as my recovery continues during the period that I'm still very limited in the amount of food I can consume.

And no, I'm not concerned about it in the least, because while--like you--I don't have time for fatigue, I can say that I DEFINITELY don't have the time or energy to drag around 200 pounds of extra weight for the rest of my life. So, fatigue? Bring it on. It'll just be something I'll deal with temporarily on my way to a healthier and more energetic life.

[Mews 37]

Some people experience fatigue and others do not. I was one of the unlucky ones in that I felt like crap for at least a month post-op. I could barely function because I was so tired and my husband had to drive me to work as I was too scared to drive in my condition. I would recommend taking as much time off as you can. This way if you feel horrible you can use the time to rest. If you feel better you can go back early.

[PdxMan 4,292]

Don't do a low carb diet post sleeve. I was fatigued, told my NUT and she advised me to increase my carbs. I did so and my energy came back and I was fine.

So many sleevers believe you have to do low carb to lose weight, but I believe that is old thinking ... pre-sleeve thinking. When you move more, as a lot of us do post sleeve, you need carbs.

It has worked for me and I am at goal.

[JennJ.RN 10]

I too am a full time nurse.. I went back to work at my hospital ICU job at 3 weeks post op and my prn clinic job 10d post op. I was a little tired at first but got back to normal routine rather quickly. I started taking my Vitamins after my 1st post op appt and made sure I got plenty of fluids and Protein and did fine.. Good luck!!

Jenn

[Chimera 644]

Eleven days out from my surgery - I am still pretty exhausted, with the added pain of suddenly having insomnia and being up every few hours at night now. I am happy that I am starting to regain some vigor - albeit slowly. One of my biggest challenges is that everything tastes like chemicals - with the exception of my Protein Soup broth. Even the smell of the plastic cups we have is putting me off - I have become even more hypersensitive than before.

I had my first little cup of lactose free milk this afternoon and it is so sweet it is like drinking a milkshake lol. I swear that little bit more carb perked this wilted flower right up I think PDXman is on the right track with needed a bit more carbs right now.

[IsaacsGram 58]

Thank you, all for your input! I can live with being fatigued for the recovery phase. I had just read some individual's experiences where they were fatigued a year out from surgery! I'm glad to hear, if I eat right, take my Vitamins, and excercise I will regain my pep!

thanks again!

[amr2393 16]

There are lots of nurses here that can understand what you mean. We just can't say "oh i'm tired so I'm just gonna take it easy today". However, never fear, that's where eating right, taking Vitamins and getting ur Protein and Water levels in daily come in to help you out.